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A new air-conditioned venue is on the way

Take a peek at your new Friday night concert spot. | Rendering via Gasworx

Soon, there’ll be something a little more lowkey than catching a blockbuster show like Beyoncé at Benchmark Arena or cramming into Jannus for indie acts like Balu Brigada.

KETTLER just announced plans to build a 4,300-capacity music venue within the Gasworx district. Live Nation will run the show at the new venue, which should open by late 2028.

The developer is envisioning an “intimate setting capable of hosting a wide range of artists and performances” according to a release, which should “fill a gap in Tampa’s live entertainment landscape.”

Where at? The brick building will live at North 15th Street — which is spatially just a quick walk from Seventh Avenue. While the overall structure is modern, the design takes inspiration from vintage theatres with a marquee lined with exposed lightbulbs and a balcony inspired by Ybor City’s existing architecture.

KETTLER expects the venue to add about $80 million to the local economy every year + bring in about $6 million each year in state and local taxes. Plus, it’ll employ ~440 people.

Three other new Gasworx additions

Events

Wednesday, April 8

Thursday, April 9

Friday, April 10

See our full events calendar

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Try This

Get fired up for Pitmasters in Paradise

Presented by Visit Central Florida

A juicy rack of ribs sits on a wooden cutting board atop a picnic table, with classic bbq fixin's to the side like coleslaw and fresh veggies.

Taste bbq from top chefs as they vie for bragging rights as the winner of Florida’s Triple Crown of BBQ. | Photo provided by Visit Central Florida

An island-inspired BBQ showdown is coming to Central Florida: Pitmasters in Paradise takes place Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25.

This family-friendly festival gathers pitmasters and BBQ fans for a weekend of:

Slow-smoked flavor
Live bands
Lawn games
Local makers
and sun-soaked memories

Hosted at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale and presented by Visit Central Florida and Whiskey Bent BBQ Supply, Pitmasters in Paradise is also the third (and final) leg of the 2026 Triple Crown of BBQ.

Finger-lickin’ fun

News Notes

Quoted

“We remain convinced Marina Bay Residences will be an outstanding project that will reflect the character of Marina Bay and benefit the entire community.” That’s what the developer behind a proposed 12-story tower along Pinellas Bayway said after the St. Pete’s Development Review Commission rejected the plans. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Coming Soon

Is seeing the Red Headed Stranger live on your bucket list? Now’s your chance. The 92-year-old country legend descends upon Tampa Bay this summer. Tickets to the Sunday, May 17, show at the BayCare Sound go on sale this Friday, April 10. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Opening

A floral cafe is opening in the Sunshine City. The Parisian-inspired Bouquet and Bordeaux opens on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street South this June. What exactly is a floral cafe? Expect a bloom studio, bistro, wine bar, floral workshops — and to see Bailey there all the time. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Real Estate

Remember the building that a crane crashed into during Hurricane Milton? It’s for sale. The owner is marketing the office building as a redevelopment opportunity, adding that the tower will be demolished before closing. What might go up in the downtown St. Pete spot? (St. Pete Catalyst)

Try This

The hoppy tradition that is Night at the Brewseum returns to Great Explorations Children’s Museum this Friday, April 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. Head to the Burg’s learning hub to sip on brews from local spots, play minute-to-win-it games, grab custard and Carrabba’s, and check out the exhibits — duh. (I Love the Burg)

Asked

You have one more chance to guess how many cownose stingrays are swimming around a 10,000-gallon tank in the refreshed Trop. Make us proud.

Finance

Motley Fool Money’s top-rated cash back card just got even better. For a limited time, earn a $250 bonus after spending just $500 in the first 3 months. Plus, earn unlimited cash back and pay 0% intro APR well into 2027. Learn more + apply.*

Listen

Did you hear that? Most hearing aids have one processor. These bad boys have two, making speech clearer and crisper by processing speech and noise separately. No wonder 670,000+ customers love them.*

A hurricane hero awaits

Some of the resident penguins check out the new tech. | Screenshot via the Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium’s pack of corals, manatees, penguins, lemurs, alligators, free flying birds, sharks, moray eels, and moon jellies should weather this upcoming hurricane season just fine — even from their Channelside perch.

Aquafence just donated one of its flood mitigation barrier systems — i.e. the towering fence that protected Tampa General Hospital from several feet of storm surge during Hurricane Helene — to the aquarium.

The Tampa institution is shifting away from reactive solutions like plopping sandbags outside doors and emergency evacuations.

The fence should protect the 250,000-sqft center from up to 15 feet of pounding surf. Thus, ensuring the aquarium’s staff doesn’t need to shuttle some of the most endangered animals in the world to higher ground the next time a hurricane nears, said Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium.

“As we saw with the most recent hurricanes to impact our region, protecting the Aquarium, which is situated on the waterfront, from a catastrophic storm surge is paramount,” Germann added.

See the fence in action

Answered

We recently asked,"Which famous golfer is from the Tampa Bay area?”

About 38% of readers correctly guessed Nelly Korda. But, did you know she’s the X sister of Korda, who recently beat world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the Miami Open.

The Buy

The Buy Editor Emily here. Meet my dog Meredith. Like so many incredible pups, she’s a rescue.

Until recently, I didn’t know much about her breed, or how to best care for her. Thanks to Embark’s Breed + Health Dog DNA Test, that’s all changed. I’ve learned Meredith is a mix of American Pit Bull, Australian Cattle Dog, Dalmatian, and that she may be at higher risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease. Now I can take proactive steps to support her health — like keeping her on a balanced diet and opting for a harness over a collar to help reduce strain on her spine.

Try Embark for your dog, discover their unique DNA, and give them the best possible care.

Learn how to better care for your dog

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Bailey

IMG_8710 (1).jpeg — Country superstar Eric Church performs the national anthem at the Trop.

You might’ve spotted a blonde gal behind home plate while mayors Ken Welch and Jane Castor threw the first pitch at the Rays’ home opener. That was me.

Yes, I was shocked when Eric Church walked out to sing the national anthem. My review of the upgrades is on the way, so please tell your friends to subscribe.

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